Diesel 523dxi Winter Engine Heater?

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,397]

All,

Wondering what/if anyone has a 523 dxi or any other small diesel machine and what you do to keep motor warm in winter months? I guess I am looking for a generic block heater or similar. I do not have space to keep the machine in a heated space. 

[squonk 42,435]

Kats magnetic block heater.

 

[ebinmaine 70,496]

I'm not personally familiar with the cooling system of these so take this for what it's worth.  

 

If you have a decent flat spot on the bottom of the engine there are stick on heaters that work well.  Some magnetic. Some glued.  

 

If you have a coolant hose with space to cut into, a circulating fluid heater is good too.  

 

 

DO NOT use a dipstick heater. Most of the engines don't have enough depth in the oil pool to keep the heater itself regulated.  

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,233]

Some heaters have loose magnets I suspect to allow for an uneven mounting surface.

The magnets work well but being loose leave the actual heated surface not contacting the metal you want to heat so there is zero heat transfer.

Got around that by gluing a block of wood to the back of the heater and using a bungy cord to draw the heater tight to the bottom of the engine.

Way more heat if you can mount on the bottom of the engine. The wattage is not very high.

 

[squonk 42,435]

I use 2 of the smaller Kats magnetic heaters on my Power King hydraulic tank (Tank is the uprights that hold the loader) and they work great. 

[Retired Wrencher 5,630]

22 hours ago, squonk said:

Kats magnetic block heater.

 

Looks like a nice unit Mike. What did you get for snow this past week?

[squonk 42,435]

Just now, Retired Wrencher said:

Looks like a nice unit Mike. What did you get for snow this past week?

We are far enough from the lake that we got only a few flurries. Need the North/ Northwest wind  to get lake effect here off of Ontario.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,397]

Mike,

I picked up that heater from tractor supply and it fit onto the oil pan. Not sure it will not get dislodged but for now it is on the pan and plugged in!

[Retired Wrencher 5,630]

6 hours ago, squonk said:

We are far enough from the lake that we got only a few flurries. Need the North/ Northwest wind  to get lake effect here off of Ontario.

That is good. I know you got hammered a few years ago.  I heard upper N.Y. Received 2’ to 4’ Wow.